Williams Corporation abandons student housing project in Christchurch
Wednesday 23 September 2026 · 2 outlets · 2 reports · updated In this story University of Canterbury
Housing developer Williams Corporation has scrapped plans for a student accommodation complex near the University of Canterbury. The project, located on Kirkwood Avenue, faced resistance from Christchurch International Airport. The development was intended to provide dwellings for university students and staff.
Key facts
4 facts
- The project was valued at $80 million
- The site is located at 14 Kirkwood Ave, Ilam/Upper Riccarton
- The property falls within a 50dB airport noise contour
- The land was under contract from owner Hak Hung Wong
The full story
1 min read · 2 outlets
Williams Corporation has scrapped plans for an $80 million student housing development near the University of Canterbury. The project was intended for a site at 14 Kirkwood Ave in Ilam/Upper Riccarton. The developer decided to walk away following resistance from Christchurch International Airport Ltd.
The proposed complex was designed to include 177 new units for university students and staff. However, report states the plan was for 160 dwellings. The homes were meant to be sold to private investors to be used as rentals.
Christchurch International Airport Ltd objected to the plan due to its nature, scale, and intensity. The airport suggested it might reconsider if the property title included a caveat requiring a minimum percentage of student-related housing occupied only during the university year.
Managing director Matthew Horncastle said the company has now "given up". He expressed disappointment, noting that the airport's restrictions would have prevented selling homes to local residents or lecturers. Horncastle stated, "It's not an easy market, and that would have created too much additional risk for an $80m development".
Where reports differ
- Reports differ on the number of planned dwellings, with one citing 177 units and the other citing 160.
- The location is described as Ilam in one report and Upper Riccarton in another.
Compiled from reports by The Press and NZ Herald.